Newly acquired Kevin Martin will not assume Harden's exact role as sixth man. Like Harden, Martin will come off the bench probably midway through the first quarter, but he will not automatically replace Thabo Sefolosha at shooting guard.

Don't be shocked if Martin replaces center Kendrick Perkins, and with the game's first substitution, four OKC players will change positions.

Martin will enter and play the shooting guard (No. 2) spot; Serge Ibaka will move from power forward (No. 4) to center (No. 5); Kevin Durant will move from small forward (No. 3) to the 4 spot; Sefolosha will move from the 2 to the 3 spot; and Russell Westbrook will remain at point guard (No. 1) until he is relieved by Eric Maynor (or possibly Reggie Jackson).

Nick Collison will come off the bench preferring to play the 4, but probably will be asked to play the 5. Rookie Perry Jones III will relieve Durant at the 3 or 4, and occasionally they will stay on the court together. When needed, 7-foot-3 Hasheem Thabeet definitely will play the 5.

That's pretty much the regulars. DeAndre Liggins and Jeremy Lamb will try to prove themselves with scant minutes.

In last year's playoffs, the Thunder rarely used a true center more than 10 minutes per game, and Brooks figures to go with a small lineup far more frequently during the regular season.

The widening scope of Ibaka's game is the primary reason, which is why the most significant statistical change from last season likely will be an increase in minutes for Ibaka (27.2 mpg last season) and Sefolosha (21.8) — two players who combined can defend five different positions.

Martin's role will be different from his previous stops in Sacramento and Houston, where scoring was his top priority.

Playing for OKC, Martin will be asked to do his fair share offensively and defensively. Durant and Westbrook will help out with the scoring, while Sefolosha will show how perimeter defense is properly done.